AboutEugene Clayton Expertise I would be happy to answer any question reguarding the construction of decks, composites verses natural materials, structure support systems,railing applications,stair design, how to figure stairs etc.. Pretty much anything that has to do with decks and or porches.
Experience I have been in the construction industry for over 26 years including new home construction, custom deck and screen porches. Most of my expertise is from framing custom homes for over 20 years. I now own and opperate a very successful custom deck and screen porch company in Atlanta Ga. Along with my Brother.
Expert: Eugene Clayton Date: 6/23/2008 Subject: adding a roof to outdoor deck.
Question QUESTION: I've built a small 4x8 freestanding deck outside the slider. I'd like to attach a roof. What is rule of thumb for spacing and size of supports - beams and rafter length. Can I attach ledger to the house just under the eaves?
Thanks.
ANSWER: Good afternoon Sheri,
Well, I suppose you could attach the ledger under the eave if there is enough room. It's real hard to nail plywood and roofing without any room to operate. Why not pull the gutter off if there is one or cut it back and put end caps on them, then attach the ledger to the tails of the rafters right through the fascia board. That way you can blend the roofing right into your existing roof.Spacing is generally 16" on center, that small of a deck you could use 4x4 posts supporting a 2x6 double beam, the rafter lengths are determined by the pitch of the roof and the distance between the beams and the ridge.Once you attach the ridge(ledger) to the fascia hold a test rafter beside the end of the ridge and scribe the angle with the other end resting on the beam this will give you the angle on which to cut the rafters. It is a little difficult to explain in words but I hope you get the idea.Hope this has helped.
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QUESTION: Perfect: I've got it. I especially like the attaching to the rafters through the
fascia. Makes more sense. Now, one more thing: I may carry the porch roof
farther across the house than the deck size. If I use a 6 to 8' rafter, how far
apart can I place the 4x4' posts. Oh- are we talking about 2x6 rafters for
that kind of span or 2x4's. Sheri
Answer Its always better to over size things if possible, go with a 2x6 and use 16" on center layout.
Lets just say you have a existing hand rail with posts on the corners, remove them and slide a 8' or so 4x4 in its place. At the desired height notch each side of the 4x4 3/4" deep by the height of the 2x8 you will use for the beam. This gives the beam a resting point (lip) to sit on. Now if you want your rafters to extend past the sides of the deck just make your beam longer, have it cantilever over each side of it's support post (4x4)Example; 6 foot deck use 10 foot beam, have it cantilever 24" over each side. I wouldn't go over that or you might get a sag effect on the ends, especially if the 2x8s have allot of crown.Try and pick good straight 2x8s for the beam.
You can space the 4x4 posts about 7feet apart with a 2x8 beam. Hope this helps.
